$60K Grant from FHLB Dallas, Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank Boosts Support for East Texas Entrepreneurs

TYLER, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and its members Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank^® (Woodforest) awarded $60,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funding to Greater Texas Capital Community Finance, doing business as Lending Avenue®. The funds are part of $1.8 million in PGP funds awarded in 2026 by FHLB Dallas and members in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas, and will help Lending Avenue expand access to small‑dollar loans, technical assistance and financial education for entrepreneurs across East Texas.

FHLB Dallas made the announcement during a celebratory event in Irving, Texas, commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the PGP.

“PGP dollars go straight into strengthening our ability to support entrepreneurs with responsible capital and practical learning,” said Lending Avenue Director of Marketing and Development Kaitlyn Shultz. “This grant helps us scale our lending and education programs so more small business owners can launch, grow and sustain their businesses.”

The PGP provides up to a 5:1 match of member contributions—up to $25,000 per member—to strengthen community-based organizations engaged in affordable housing and economic development. Funds are awarded annually through participating member institutions like Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank.

“FHLB Dallas’ Partnership Grant Program amplifies local investment and creates lasting community impact,” said Daniel Galindo, senior vice president, director of Community Development and Strategic Initiatives at Woodforest National Bank. “Through this funding, Lending Avenue can expand access to capital and business support services for entrepreneurs across East Texas.”

Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board, emphasized Austin Bank’s commitment to community investment. Mr. Austin also serves on the FHLB Dallas Board of Directors.

“Partnering with organizations like Lending Avenue aligns with our long‑standing focus on investing in the communities we serve,” Mr. Austin said. “This PGP award helps extend that impact to more entrepreneurs who are vital to our region’s prosperity.”

The PGP has been a critical funding source for community-based organizations, said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

“Supporting organizations that expand access to small business lending is critical to strengthening local economies,” said Mr. Hettrick. “When entrepreneurs have not just access but options, they’re empowered to start and grow their businesses.”

About Austin Bank

Austin Bank, a community bank headquartered in Jacksonville, Texas, has been voted one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Texas” for the seventeenth consecutive year. With assets in excess of $3 billion, bank offices are located in 41 Texas locations within 29 cities and 14 counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family who is celebrating 117 years of service in the Texas banking industry.

About Woodforest National Bank

Celebrating over 45 years of community banking service, Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering outstanding customer service since 1980. Woodforest currently operates nearly 740 branches in 17 states across the United States and is an Outstanding CRA-rated institution. For more information about Woodforest National Bank, please visit www.woodforest.com.

About Lending Avenue®

Lending Avenue is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and subsidiary of Greater Texas Capital Corporation. Lending Avenue advocates for our community by creating pathways for underserved entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. Lending Avenue® provides access to healthy and affordable capital, resources for financial literacy, entrepreneurial training, and other credit-building pathways. To learn more, visit https://lendingavenue.org/.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $107.8 billion as of June 30, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and credit products to approximately 780 member institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.